John Paul II moves a step closer to sainthood as Vatican approves second miracle

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has approved that a second miracle was performed by John Paul II, moving him closer to being declared a saint, a Vatican official speaking on the condition of anonymity said.

“The proclamation of his sainthood needs only the approval of the commission of cardinals and bishops and the final signature of Pope Francis,” Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The Polish Pope reportedly performed a second “extraordinary healing” that Vatican sources say will “amaze the world.”

The miracle was reportedly approved by two doctors in April, after the late Pope performed a cure that cannot be explained in natural terms. The details of the miracle have yet to be released.

Before John Paul II can be canonized the Congregation must formally approve the miracle and present it to Pope Francis.

John Paul II was beatified — the first step towards sainthood — in a lavish outdoor ceremony in St Peter’s Square in May 2011, the Telegraph reports.

John Paul could be canonized as early as October, to coincide with the 35th anniversary of his election. The process of becoming a Catholic saint is lengthy, often taking decades or centuries to complete.

John Paul II died a little over eight years ago, on April 2, 2005 and has been on the fast track to sainthood since. The "modern record" for the shortest time from death to sainthood is 27 years.